How to file KRA nil returns

In Kenya, it is mandatory to file tax returns annually as long as you have acquired your KRA PIN number. That also applies to students and unemployed Kenyans who are required to file nil returns without fail. Want to know how to file KRA nil returns? Read on.What are nil returns?

Before we dig deep into how to file KRA returns, let’s first learn what these nil returns are. Nil income tax returns help the taxman to identify all taxpayers that fall below the taxable income or are unemployed and do not earn any salary such as university students. Why must I file nil returns? Well, failure to file KRA nil returns attracts a hefty penalty fee. In the past, it used to be Ksh 1000, but the taxman reviewed this in 2015 to Ksh 20,000 which become effective in 2017. So imagine having to pay 20,000 annually for something that will take you less than five minutes to complete.

According to KRA iTax returns figures, by the end of June 2017, KRA reported having collected Ksh 1.365 trillion as opposed to the targeted Ksh 1.44 trillion projected by the Treasury. Furthermore, according to Kenya Revenue Authority, only 24 million employees and businesses did file their tax returns indicating that thousands of Kenyans failed to do so. Do not be in the latter category. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to file returns thereby avoiding the preventable fines set by the taxman.

How to file nil income tax return online for an individual in Kenya

Please note that you do not require an extra nil tax return form to file your nil returns as the process is just similar to that of filing the normal LKRA returns. Furthermore, the development of iTax that went live in 2013 has made it easier for Kenyans to file their annual KRA tax returns. That is because you can do it at the comfort of your office or house without having to visit KRA offices.

Step one: iTax login

The first thing you need to do is visit the iTax platform

On the left-hand side, you will see an empty tab, feed your KRA Pin number or User ID here and click on continue.

Enter your password and key in the Security Stamp (Security Stamp is something like 50+8=??)

In case you don’t remember your password, just click on forgot password located at the bottom right of the page and follow prompts to set a new password.

Step two: E-nil returns

After a successful login, you will be redirected to a page with a red menu top.

Click on the 'Returns' icon and a drop-down menu will appear; select the File Nil Returns option.

You will be required to fill in some information as indicated below.

Type: Self

Taxpayer Pin: Your Pin

Tax Obligation: Income tax Resident

After you’re done click on next.

Step three: Income tax- resident individual nil E-return

You will be redirected to a new page and you have to key in your KRA Personal Identification Number, Wife Pin (leave it blank if you’re not married), Return period dates which in this case in 2018 will be 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2017 (this is automated, once you click on the small calendar on your right).

Press the submit button after you are done filling the above information.

If the submission was successful, an e return acknowledgment receipt KRA will be generated on the platform. Click on download Return Receipt, and you will be done. The above procedure takes just a few minutes to complete provided that you have a stable internet connection on your electronic device.

KRA tax returns deadline 2017

Please be aware that the KRA tax return deadline is normally on the 30th of June every year. For this reason, you can file your nil returns on or before that date. You can even do it now after you finish reading this article.

Just recently in February 2018, the Kenya Revenue Authority broadcasted that it intends to suspend the processing of nil tax returns for 2017. According to Benson Korongo, the KRA Commissioner of Domestic Taxes, the move is aimed at stalling tax cheats. Following this new development, it is expected that the filing of 2017 returns that began on January 1 ending 30 June might experience some pile-up of filings in the suspended category.

All individuals that file nil tax returns are urged to exercise patience in case of any lags as the KRA Technical team works on re configuring the iTax system. Therefore, do file your KRA nil returns as soon as possible before the suspension comes into force just as I have done mine today. Let us know if the article was useful.Source: Tuko.co.ke